NRL bans fans from attending round two games after government ban on gatherings of more than 500 people
- The NRL has banned fans from attending games from Monday due to COVID-19
- The ban is in place echoing advice handed down from the government on Friday
- Spectators are still encouraged to attend games before the ban begins
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
The NRL has echoed moves made by the AFL and the Australian Grand Prix and banned spectators amid coronavirus fears.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday that as of midday on Monday gatherings of more than 500 people were banned.
Hours later the NRL said they would be following the advice and no fans would be allowed inside stadiums until further notice.
The NRL has echoed moves made by the AFL and the Australian Grand Prix and banned spectators amid coronavirus fears. Pictured: Raiders fan wearing a face mask
Games will go ahead as scheduled but people will not be allowed to watch them pitch-side.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chair Peter V'landys AM said: 'We know this will be disappointing for fans but we are dealing with uncertain and unprecedented times.
'We have always maintained we would follow the advice of health authorities to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus.
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'In doing this, we have been in daily contact with Federal and State agencies and with both Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today.'
Spectators are still encouraged to attend games before the ban, and working media are allowed to continue attending the games for coverage purposes.
However anyone with suspected coronavirus symptoms are asked not to attend.
Guidelines released by the sport on Thursday trying to limit player interaction with the public outside of game down are still in place.
The ARLC and the NRL will meet on Saturday to discuss contingency plans for the remainder of the season.
The sport announced on Friday night they would be following the advice, meaning no fans could watch the games inside stadiums until further notice
Guidelines released by the sport on Thursday trying to limit player interaction with the public outside of game down are still in place
NRL chief executive officer Todd Greenberg said: 'We respect today's decision and our absolute priority is doing everything we can to protect our players and fans and reduce the spread of the virus in the general community.'
'We are acutely aware of the impact this decision will have on clubs, players, fans, and members, and the NRL will continue to work with the Clubs to determine how to best manage this disruption. We are dealing with uncertain and unprecedented times but across the game, we are managing it in a collaborative way.'
The move comes after events such as the AFL, the Grand Prix, Melbourne Comedy Festival and the Royal Easter Show have been axed or will go ahead without spectators.
Australia has had 200 cases of coronavirus confirmed, including Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.
Three people in Australia have died due to COVID-19
Australia has had 200 cases of coronavirus confirmed, including Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton
